BURBANK—The Armenian Youth Federation Burbank “Varak” Chapter hosted its second annual Art Exhibition on Feb. 22 at the ACF Burbank Youth Center. The event, which was free and open to the public, brought local artists together with their community to celebrate Armenian culture through art and allowed the hard work of the artists to be recognized in an intimate setting.
“The night was brilliant. We had phenomenal art by talented local artists of all ages, a live band, and a traditional Armenian dress up photo booth,” said Paulina Safarian, a member of the “Varak” chapter. “The best part is, all of this was free and open to the general public.”
With a showcasing of approximately 100 pieces by over 25 artists, the exhibition featured various forms of art including paintings, drawings, and photography. The artists were given an opportunity to display their work and share the inspiration and techniques used for their art. In addition, there was a live musical performance by local Armenian band Ooshatsank.
One of the guests, Stella Boghozian, also expressed her pride in being able to see a local art exhibition. “Artists are often forgotten in our communities, so I was so excited to see the various works displayed, and the passion artists showed when describing their work,” she said.
Arotin Hartounian, who had four pieces of art on display including the very popular “DJ Dalai Lama,” said, “The art show was particularly an exciting event because it brought together many Armenian artists, each with a different vision and approach to art-making. It’s important for Armenian artists and the community as a whole to connect with each other and know that their voice and creations are admired.”
Founded in 1933, the Armenian Youth Federation is the largest and most influential Armenian-American youth organization in the United States, working to advance the social, political, educational and cultural awareness of Armenian-American.
First, let me congratulate Varak chapter for this successful event. On the other hand, I think AYF’s mission differs completely of Hamazkayin’s. Let Hamaskayin be the promoter of Armenian Art and Culture, and AYF stick with its mission. If you lost your direction, Karein Njteh’s writings should be a good starting point. Unfortunately, AYF has become more of a social club, if you want the respect of the Armenian community, then return to your roots.
I want to note that Karekin Njteh established the AYF, in order to prevent assimilation of Armenian youth in the Diaspora, and to create a platform for interaction with one another. Through cultural events such as art exhibitions, the AYF is promoting the proliferation of Armenian culture by encouraging Armenian artists to continue to create, to bring forth images of Armenia and Armenianism and to collaborate with other Armenian artists, and thus contributing to Njteh’s goal of fighting against assimilation.
This art exhibition is only a small part of what the AYF accomplishes. Programs such as AYF Youth Corps or the With Our Soldiers Campaign directly assist the homeland, while, yet again, bringing Armenian youth together, as Njteh would have wanted.
When a Hamazkayin chapter is established in Burbank, the AYF Varak chapter will continue this great tradition in collaboration with Hamazkayin as well as other sister organizations that too would like to participate.
I agree with Daron 100%